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Lesson 1 - Intro to Hand Passing

Technical Mastery & Tactics

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Year 9

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Invasion Games

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1h 6min

Big Question

How can we use hand passing and movement to maintain possession and score in Gaelic Football?

Learning Objectives

Be able to play a recognised version of the invasion game Gaelic Football
Understand basic rules and scoring system of Gaelic Football
Develop fundamental hand passing technique with accuracy and control

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate correct hand passing technique in isolation and under pressure
Students will apply Gaelic Football rules including 4-step rule, solo, and scoring system
Students will show tactical awareness through possession-based gameplay

Equipment & Resources Required

Gaelic Footballs

1 per 2 students (15 balls)

Distributed around activity areas

Alternative: Size 3 footballs if Gaelic footballs unavailable

Cones

20-30 cones

Mark boundaries, goals, and activity areas

Alternative: Markers, spots, or bibs laid flat

Coloured Bibs

4 sets of 8 bibs each

4 different colours for team identification

Alternative: Coloured bands or different coloured tops

Large Goals

4 goals

Position at ends of playing areas

Alternative: Cones 3 metres apart, or existing football goals

Key Vocabulary

Hand Pass

Striking the ball with the palm or fist to pass to a teammate - the ball cannot be thrown

Solo

Dropping the ball onto the foot and kicking it back to hands - allows another 4 steps

Bounce

Bouncing the ball on the ground after 4 steps to continue possession

Target Player

A player positioned in the goal area who teammates try to pass to for scoring

Possession

Maintaining control of the ball as a team through passing and movement

Skill Progression Pathway

Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going

Prior Learning

Basic catching and throwing skills from other sports
Understanding of invasion game principles
Experience with possession-based activities

Current Skills

Gaelic Football hand passing technique
4-step rule with bounce and solo
Basic tactical awareness in possession games

Next Steps

Advanced Gaelic Football skills (kicking, tackling)
Set plays and tactical formations
Full game understanding with goalkeeping

Milestone Indicators

Consistent hand passing accuracy over 5 metres

Automatic application of 4-step rule

Clear communication during possession phases

Key Teaching Points

Hand passing requires striking the ball with palm/fist, never throwing
4-step rule fundamental to Gaelic Football - bounce or pass after 4 steps
Communication is essential for successful possession play
Show hands clearly at chest level when wanting to receive a pass
Solo technique allows additional 4 steps after bouncing
Accuracy more important than power in hand passing
Spatial awareness and movement create passing opportunities

Common Misconceptions

Thinking hand passing is the same as throwing - emphasise striking action
Believing you can run unlimited steps with the ball - reinforce 4-step rule
Assuming solo and bounce are the same thing - clarify the foot involvement in solo
Thinking communication isn't important in possession games - stress team coordination
Believing hand passing must be done with dominant hand only - encourage both hands
Assuming Gaelic Football is just like rugby - highlight unique rules and techniques

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts, clear physical boundaries, regular movement breaks, immediate positive feedback for focus

dyspraxia

Larger, softer balls initially, simplified movement patterns, extra practice time, clear step-by-step demonstrations

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet zones available, predictable rules and expectations

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and bibs, provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations, buddy system for guidance, audio cues for counting

hearing impairment

Use visual demonstrations extensively, hand signals for communication, written rule cards, ensure face-to-face communication

physical disability

Seated versions of hand passing, modified distances, lightweight balls, adapted rules for mobility limitations

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Technical vocabulary development, clear communication during games, explaining rules to others

Maths

Counting steps and passes, calculating distances for successful hand passes, understanding angles for optimal passing

Science

Forces involved in striking vs throwing, biomechanics of efficient hand passing, energy systems during game play

Geography

Understanding spatial awareness and positioning, using directional language for movement and tactics

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, managing competitive emotions, leadership skills through peer teaching

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between activity areas, position at corners for maximum visibility during games

Observation Focus

Watch for correct hand passing technique, rule adherence, and positive communication

Intervention Points

Step in when rules are broken, technique is unsafe, or conflicts arise between students

Demonstration Notes

Use slow-motion demonstrations for technique, involve students in rule demonstrations, celebrate good examples publicly

Verbal Cues

•'Strike the ball, don't throw it!'
•'Show your hands ready for the pass!'
•'Count your steps aloud - 1, 2, 3, 4, bounce!'
•'Communicate with your teammates!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 60m x 40m outdoor space or large sports hall with high ceiling

Surface Check

Even surface free from holes, debris, or wet patches that could cause slipping

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check footballs are properly inflated and in good condition
•Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
•Verify bibs are clean and in good repair

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between players during games
•Ball strikes to face or body
•Slips and falls during direction changes
•Overexertion during high-intensity activities

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries and adequate spacing between activity areas
•Enforce no-contact rule strictly during all activities
•Progressive skill building before full game application
•Regular hydration breaks in warm weather

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all activity areas
•Move between groups during small-sided games
•Monitor for signs of fatigue or frustration
•Ensure fair play and rule adherence

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess severity, provide appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if required